Cape Town - The Shoprite Group became the first retailer to pilot the heavy duty electric truck.
The truck has a special “glow in the dark” signage, making it more visible when travelling at night.
When exposed in broad day light, the signage absorbs and stores particles.
The stored energy is then emitted when it is dark, resulting in a glow.
The vehicle releases no carbon dioxide.
It is a 100% Scania Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and has no reliance on fossil fuels.
The refrigerated truck can hold about 16 pallets, has nine batteries, solar panels fitted to its roof and a fully electric cooling system which is also powered by the battery packs of the vehicle.
Chief supply chain officer Andrew Havinga said: “As Africa’s largest grocery retailer, the Shoprite Group places significant focus on reducing its environmental impact across its operations.
“One of the ways we’re doing this is by increasing the energy efficiency of our truck fleet.”
The addition of the new electric truck forms part of the group’s ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain.
With a range in the region of 350km, the vehicle will be used for local deliveries and will be recharged using renewable energy generated by the group’s existing solar installations.